Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

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🥓🍯 Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Description

Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, crispy, and caramelized. Roasting brings out the natural nuttiness of Brussels sprouts, while smoky bacon adds richness and crunch. A light honey glaze finishes the dish with a glossy, slightly sweet coating that makes even Brussels-sprout skeptics come back for seconds. This recipe works beautifully as a holiday side dish or an elevated weeknight vegetable.

⏱ Time Required

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 30–35 minutes

  • Total Time: ~45 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

  • 1½ lbs (680 g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

  • 6 slices bacon, chopped

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 tbsp honey

  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth)

  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

  2. Prep Brussels sprouts: Trim ends and slice in half lengthwise.

  3. Season: In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic (if using).

  4. Add bacon: Scatter chopped bacon evenly over the Brussels sprouts.

  5. Roast: Spread everything in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring once halfway, until sprouts are tender and deeply browned and bacon is crispy.

  6. Glaze: In a small bowl, mix honey and balsamic vinegar. Drizzle over hot Brussels sprouts.

  7. Finish roasting: Return to oven for 5 minutes until sticky and caramelized.

  8. Serve warm, optionally topped with extra black pepper or red pepper flakes.

🍽 Servings

  • Serves: 4 as a side dish

  • Serving Size: ~1 cup

 Recipe Notes

  • Smaller Brussels sprouts roast more evenly.

  • Balsamic vinegar adds tang but is optional.

  • If bacon renders too much fat, lightly blot before glazing.

  • This dish tastes best fresh but reheats well in the oven.

🔥 Tips for Best Results

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan—crowding causes steaming instead of roasting.

  • Cut-side down Brussels sprouts get the best caramelization.

  • For extra crunch, broil for the last 1–2 minutes (watch closely).

  • Use thick-cut bacon for chewier bites or thin bacon for crispier texture.

🥗 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 230

  • Protein: 8 g

  • Fat: 15 g

  • Carbohydrates: 18 g

  • Fiber: 5 g

  • Sugar: 10 g

  • Sodium: 420 mg

(Values may vary based on ingredients used.)

🌿 Health Benefits

  • Brussels sprouts are rich in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants.

  • Honey provides natural sweetness and trace antioxidants.

  • Bacon, while indulgent, adds protein and enhances satiety.

  • Roasting preserves nutrients better than boiling.

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make this recipe without bacon?
A: Yes! Replace bacon with chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) or smoked paprika for a savory note.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: You can roast the Brussels sprouts and bacon ahead, then reheat and glaze just before serving.

Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
A: Fresh is best, but frozen can work—thaw and dry them thoroughly to avoid sogginess.

Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A: It’s low-carb, but you can reduce or replace honey with a keto sweetener if needed.

Q: What main dishes pair well with this?
A: Roast chicken, turkey, pork tenderloin, steak, or salmon.

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